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Tanzanite

In 1962 a brownish colored zoisite,  that when heat treated turns a beautiful violet-blue color, was discovered in the East African country of Tanzania.  About 1970 Tiffany & Co. began marketing this stone in the U. S. calling it tanzanite.  Since that time tanzanite has become increasingly popular.  Today it is highly prized by collectors and consumers alike.  Tanzania remains the only source of this lovely gemstone.

Tanzanite is trichroic - it can exhibit different colors when viewed from different directions.

Lore

According to legend tanzanite was discovered by Masai cattle herders after a lightening caused fire burned the grass in the area of discovery.  Supposedly the heat from the fire turned the brown zoisite crystals blue.

As with many stones discovered in recent times, lore about tanzanite is scanty.  Adherents to the New Age philosophies link tanzanite with a sense of well being and composure.  It is also said to be a stone useful for meditation and relaxation.  "This mineral stimulates the throat, the third-eye, and the crown chakras.  It brings together all aspects of both communication and psychic power, allowing the user to adequately communicate visions." ¹

"A stone of transformation that dissolves old patterns of disease and karma.  Tanzanite enables us to move forward with optimism and inspiration, giving us a sense of direction and allowing us to manifest our powers for the highest good." ²

"Tanzanite is the stone that most effectively integrates the energies of the mind and heart, helping one to remain centered in the heart's wisdom while evaluating the ideas of the activated mind.  It opens a cascade of thoughts and insights, but it keeps one calmly anchored upon the inner throne of compassionate humanity, thereby ensuring that one not be carried away on mental tangents of little true value." ³

Important Note: tanzanite should never be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

1)  A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 423

2)  Denise Whichello Brown  "Beginner's Guide to Crystals"  pg 106

3)  Robert Simmons "Stones of the New Consciousness: Healing, Awakening and Co-creating with Crystals, Minerals and Gems"  pg. 271

Interested in the healing properties of gems and minerals? Crystal Enlightenment by

Katrina Raphaell is considered to be one of the best references on the subject.